Jan Hence and Mary Jo Fenyn were honored with the Service Above Self Awards at our annual dinner on October 30, 2025.
Newark Rotary recently held its annual Service Above Self Award Dinner at the American Legion. Begun by Past President Karen Quartaro ten years ago, this annual gathering has been held to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the betterment of Newark. This year's dinner was organized again by Jean Bendix and emceed by Dave Hannan.
Jan Hence's son attended as her guest.
Mary Jo with her guests and John Zornow.
District Governor Jim Crane and his partner Nancy Loughlin were in attendance.
Michele McManus baked a delicious cake for the dinner.
President Chuck presented the awards to Mary Jo and Jan.
DG Jim also praised Jan and Mary Jo and the contributions of the Newark Rotary Club to the community.
Here is a summary of Dave's introduction of Jan:
A Newark Rotarian since 1999, Jan has been a pillar of service and generosity for over two decades. A Paul Harris Fellow since 2002 and a Major Donor since 2019, she has combined financial support with tireless hands-on leadership. She introduced the Pancake Breakfast Silent Auction, organized Chicken BBQs and to-go meals during COVID, and ensured leftover meals reached local veterans. Jan has coordinated Hill Cumorah concessions, Salvation Army bell ringing, holiday food bags, and “Shop with a Cop.” She’s also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society. Her latest success, the Newark Rotary Raffle, has become the club’s major fundraiser. Known for her humor and persistence (“Buy your tickets or the club will go bankrupt!”), Jan embodies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. And yes, she remains a lifelong and passionate New York Yankees fan.
This is Dave's summary of Mary Jo;
Born and raised in Newark, Mary Jo earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College, now part of Boston University’s Fenway Campus, and taught for over three decades in Newark’s elementary schools. After retiring in 1994, she dedicated herself to volunteering with St. Michael’s Church, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Newark Food Closet, and Visions of Hope. Her decades of service earned her recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2008, followed by Rotary membership in 2009. Within the club, she has served eight years on the board (including two as Sergeant-at-Arms) and sixteen on the Community Service Committee, helping organize auctions, dinners, food pantries, and celebrations. A quiet Red Sox fan often seated beside her Yankee-loving friend Jan, Mary Jo brings warmth, dedication, and grace to every project—truly exemplifying Service Above Self.
Congratulations Mary Jo and Jan!
Thanks to Steve Taylor and John Zornow for the photographs.
